OPERA America has announced that on behalf of opera companies it is objecting to the new proposal made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding the hiring of international guest artists.

The Department of Homeland Security has unveiled a proposed plan that would raise filing fees for regularly processed O and P artist visa applications from $460 to as much as $715.

There will also be a cap of 25 individual on a single petition, which would multiply the cost by requiring more petitions for larger ensembles. One example given is that a performance group that consists of 110 musicials as well as accompanying support staff would now require six visa petitions instead of two.

There would also be an additional cost of $1,440 for Premium Processing Service which would now be shifted from 15 calendar days to 15 federal working days, thus creating delays.

“Opera companies in communities of all sizes engage international artists in the advancement of their artistic missions, and the U.S. climate for international cultural exchange influences opportunities for U.S. ensembles to tour globally,” said an open letter from Brandon Gryde, Director of Government Affairs and EDI Officer at OPERA America.